New boy Ricardinho made a steady if unspectacular debut for Boro reserves in midweek.

The Brazilian midfielder eased his way through the full 90 minutes of the match against Wolves at Billingham Synthonia. It was a cold night, and Ricardinho was one of several players wearing gloves.

The weather helped to give the former Sao Paulo player a rude awakening to what football in England can be all about - but the 27-year-old gamely stuck to his task.

Coach Steve Harrison said: "I thought it was a pretty good debut. The great thing from our point of view was that it was a hard game.

"There were some tough tackles and so Ricardinho found out that it's physical at all levels here. But he did well. There are a lot of things he has to get used to, especially the weather, but he did fine."

Ricardinho operated in centre midfield, alongside Jon Greening, and was tidy with his ball play - though he did not cover too much ground.

He was no doubt following instructions operating in front of the back four, and allowing Greening to do most of the leg work pushing forward.

Ricardinho clearly needs more time to settle in, so it's debatable whether he will be ready to take any part in the Carling Cup Final.

What he does offer is vital back-up, which is the main reason why Steve McClaren offered him a four-month contract last month.

The Brazilian could be pitched into first team action shortly after the Carling Cup Final, because Boro have a testing Premiership clash at Birmingham City just three days later - and McClaren is certain to make several changes.

I understand that Ricardinho has certainly settled in well behind the scenes. He does not speak any English, but he has the advantage of having fellow Portuguese-speaking Brazilians Juninho and Doriva around him.

He has also been made to feel an immediate part of the first team squad, and has proved his commitment to the task by his high level of hard work on the training ground.

Just how many Premiership chances he gets before the end of the season will depend on injuries and other players' form.

Ricardinho can operate both on the flank and inside, so he provides cover right across the middle.

Boro have another reserve match next week, at Aston Villa on Tuesday, and the Brazilian can be expected to play again.

This week's match was a useful workout for several players though there was disappointment for striker Michael Ricketts who suffered a mild groin strain.

Overall, it was one of the strongest reserve sides Boro have fielded for a long time - which makes it all the more surprising that the game ended goalless.

Not only that, there were very few chances in what was largely a midfield struggle.

All the better for Ricardinho, who now knows what life in England is all about.